Summary of Ethnic Theatre by Jasmin Gillespie
Ethnic theatre in the USA rooted from many different sources. Native American, Black, French theatre etc. did not originate from the same time period, nor were created by the same circumstances. In the nineteenth century, ethnic theatre took on forms such as clubs, and amateur theatres sponsored by various societies and clubs. However, no matter amateur or professional, issues still arose inside the ethnic theatre community. In addition to low income, actors, directors, and playwrights bumped heads because of stereotypical belief, religious belief, and/or political belief. Outside opposition was also present because of the same aspects. However, despite the complications, ethnic theatre continued to prosper mainly from 1900 to 1930. Heavy immigration combined with immigrant theatres allowed for inexpensive and convenient productions. For the immigrants, the theatre was a getaway from the long work hours and stressful issues surrounding them. With the little time they had, they indulged themselves in a hobby they enjoyed. Immigrants were commonly shutout of mainstream theatre because of the language difference, poverty, discrimination etc. Nevertheless, they created new ways to meet their intellectual, emotional, and social needs through theatre. It helped those who were deprived of education and provided knowledge about different cultures, language, and history. Americans were also educated by the plays themselves because the ethnic theatre exposed them to social issues. In addition to an educational role, it fulfilled the audience with excitement and diversion from the anxiety and worry life handed them. It served as an outlet, eased their minds, and made life seem not so dreadful. It gave them a voice that could not be ridiculed, allowed them to self-express, and create their own definition. A social world was also formed during the peak of ethnic theatre, it provided a safe, supportive environment for women, and allowed a place where those who loved the same thing could come together and experience their joy with each other. Yet, all good things come to an end. Immigrant Theatre declined between 1925 and 1950. It became more Americanized; movies, radio, and television replaced theatre as a favorable entertainment choice. However, it didn't disappear. Many who were part of the immigrant Theatre combined mainstream and ethnic theatre by bringing their traditions and incorporating them into their work to increase exposure. Although, ethnic theatre continued to face problems with money, and discrimination years later, it still gained recognition and enabled more opportunities for success that wouldn't have been accessible.
Ethnic theatre in the USA rooted from many different sources. Native American, Black, French theatre etc. did not originate from the same time period, nor were created by the same circumstances. In the nineteenth century, ethnic theatre took on forms such as clubs, and amateur theatres sponsored by various societies and clubs. However, no matter amateur or professional, issues still arose inside the ethnic theatre community. In addition to low income, actors, directors, and playwrights bumped heads because of stereotypical belief, religious belief, and/or political belief. Outside opposition was also present because of the same aspects. However, despite the complications, ethnic theatre continued to prosper mainly from 1900 to 1930. Heavy immigration combined with immigrant theatres allowed for inexpensive and convenient productions. For the immigrants, the theatre was a getaway from the long work hours and stressful issues surrounding them. With the little time they had, they indulged themselves in a hobby they enjoyed. Immigrants were commonly shutout of mainstream theatre because of the language difference, poverty, discrimination etc. Nevertheless, they created new ways to meet their intellectual, emotional, and social needs through theatre. It helped those who were deprived of education and provided knowledge about different cultures, language, and history. Americans were also educated by the plays themselves because the ethnic theatre exposed them to social issues. In addition to an educational role, it fulfilled the audience with excitement and diversion from the anxiety and worry life handed them. It served as an outlet, eased their minds, and made life seem not so dreadful. It gave them a voice that could not be ridiculed, allowed them to self-express, and create their own definition. A social world was also formed during the peak of ethnic theatre, it provided a safe, supportive environment for women, and allowed a place where those who loved the same thing could come together and experience their joy with each other. Yet, all good things come to an end. Immigrant Theatre declined between 1925 and 1950. It became more Americanized; movies, radio, and television replaced theatre as a favorable entertainment choice. However, it didn't disappear. Many who were part of the immigrant Theatre combined mainstream and ethnic theatre by bringing their traditions and incorporating them into their work to increase exposure. Although, ethnic theatre continued to face problems with money, and discrimination years later, it still gained recognition and enabled more opportunities for success that wouldn't have been accessible.